Recent progress in p-type doped conjugated polymer-based thermoelectric thin films

Abstract

Organic thermoelectric materials have garnered considerable attention in recent years for their potential in harvesting low-grade waste heat. The exploration of efficient and sustainable energy conversion technologies has prompted a significant interest in conjugated polymers (CPs) due to their tunable chemical structures, cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, light-weight, mechanically flexible and stretchable, high Seebeck coefficients, and low thermal conductivities, making them promising for organic thermoelectric devices. The optimization of the power factor in organic thermoelectric devices necessitates the incorporation of doping agents, which facilitates the intentional introduction of charge carriers in order to manipulate the electrical conductivity of the CP. The present review explores the recent developments in p-type doped CP-based thermoelectric thin films, with a particular emphasis on the intricate relationship between modifications of the chemical structure and the resultant thermoelectric properties, including electrical conductivities and power factors. Furthermore, various doping strategies, including doping processing methods and dopant structure engineering, are thoroughly examined. The comprehensive analysis presented herein contributes to the collective understanding of doped CP-based thermoelectric thin films, and offers insights into potential avenues for future research and development in this dynamically evolving field.